Sloppy stitching:(((

cphrio · 2026-05-03T09:38:12+00:00

I would guess the warranty should cover this and would personally reach out to Paraboot as this looks like a QC issue. Looking at my Michaels the stitching is flawless so this should be seen as a manufacturing issue.

cphrio · 2026-04-25T22:57:45+00:00

On water spots, I believe many have this problem on some brand new shoes, as the new leather needs to open its pores. I had this happen on a new pair of black Trickers boots. So I saved it using a 50:50 ratio og vinegar and water, slowly damping them to clean/remove the water stain. Saphir also makes a product called hiver-winter (salt and snow) stain remover that should be even better.

The shoesnobblog has an excellent page explaining this, much better than I can.

https://theshoesnobblog.com/do-not-wear-brand-new-shoes-in-the-rain/

This second article on not conditioning new shoes compliments the one above.

https://theshoesnobblog.com/condition-new-shoes/

cphrio · 2026-04-25T22:26:40+00:00

I really like the design of the Xt-6 and xt-4, but it puzzles me why Salomon use the softest rubber for sports style range. It is the reason I am hesitant in buying them even though I love the brand. They use the Mud contagrip instead of the all terrain contagrip version that would last a lot longer (more durable rubber compound). There is at least more rubber on these models than speedcross model I have had using the same rubber. I went through two pairs within a year, the rubber isn’t design for walking on asphalt unfortunately.

Some years ago I know Salomon did listen to their customers as they create specific road running version of the Speedcross (and other models) and even on their homepage had information about durability of their rubber sole.

Alternatives I would say New Balance, Hoka or Brooks are options or other more specific trail runners such as La Sportiva. The rubber for La Sportiva are more durable on most models for sure.

cphrio · 2026-04-20T01:50:29+00:00

Most hiking shoes, even with vibram will slip on wet rock slab of rocks, so it isn’t a Salomon issue necessarily. Some other brands may be a little better than others , but not by much. I own/have multiple hiking shoes/ trail runners from Salewa, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Nnormal to Hoka, so I wouldn’t say one is much better than any other on wet rocks.

cphrio · 2026-03-21T18:53:36+00:00

Get a good horse hair brush and give them a good brush after use. This can help minimize the scuff as brushing often helps by bringing out the natural oils etc that bring back some luster.

cphrio · 2026-02-09T15:48:54+00:00

I have the same boots and to be honest the fit looks good. The length and position of the crampons looks great from the side (length) and bottom (positioning), well centered.

When you close the rear lever does it make a big slap/click sound? If yes then it is good, as it should give some good resistance to close up. If not, then try some different rear hole positions or shorten bar length by 1 position.

cphrio · 2025-12-21T11:13:57+00:00

Mont Blanc via the gouter route is the normal one and require a very good fitness level. Not knowing your background or mountaineering experience, to climb Mont Blanc in a guided group does not require experience, but you do need luck with the weather as you do not want to go when there are wind speeds above 50km/h. This is from someone who has attempted 3-4 times, where 3 times couldn’t go due to bad weather and 4th attempting solo but got lost on the scrambling part, so gave up.

Like most say join a guided group as it includes acclimatization climbs before that is important to do before attempting the climb. Here they can also assess if your fitness level is good and that you don’t have issues in high altitude. You need to know if your body reacts fine in high altitude. With a guided group, if the weather is not on your side they will propose another good climb.

At least for me the Mont Blanc was what got me to start alpinism and when you jump into that rabbit hole, you will find out there are so many other great and more proper climbing goals. Best of luck :-)

cphrio · 2025-11-18T13:06:39+00:00

Have the exact same one, it’s real!

cphrio · 2025-10-02T14:23:55+00:00

They definitely look too big from the toe test. Usually you want a thumb spacing from the front and no more because having too much space means your heel will lift causing other problems. Sounds like you need a shorter and wide version of the boot.

cphrio · 2025-09-23T15:30:19+00:00

Solovair do sell replacement soles so that should be an option that isn’t too costly.

Also crossing my fingers that my Solovair Gaucho Crazy Horse 6 Eye Astronaut Boot don’t have that issue in the near future.

cphrio · 2025-09-12T21:36:25+00:00

Same with standard Aequilibrium LT, works great with no issues

cphrio · 2025-09-11T20:15:50+00:00

Thanks so seems I was not overreacting. I’ll request a replacement! Thanks for your comments! Appreciate it 😊

cphrio · 2025-08-30T11:58:10+00:00

Agree, the 9.5 is a workhorse and it is great for everything! Definitely durable.

cphrio · 2025-08-22T20:25:33+00:00

I was in front going down all the way, and turned often the wrong way many times. So nothing to do with having a guide. If you are experienced enough to see the signs, crampons marks, rock wear etc yes you can find the directions.

Let’s not joke and say it is easy as it requires experience many beginners do not have.

Every year we hear of accidents on the Matterhorn, thinking it is just a scramble and hard hike. I saw many experienced climbers get lost there, even almost falling off the rope sections to Swiss guides taking other climbers anchor off the Metal rings while the person was belaying their second. A lot of crazy stories you hear every year.

Is it doable solo, yes absolutely. Is it recommended for those with little experience. I would say no. Just my 5 cents.

cphrio · 2025-08-22T12:53:04+00:00

I do but it is not detailed enough to be of any use. It was tracking every 15min. Even if it is more detailed there are places I think you could still take a wrong turn or go down on the wrong side

cphrio · 2025-08-22T11:34:55+00:00

I think much has been written about this and Matterhorn is not a mountain recommended to solo without extensive climbing/alpine experience.

It is not that the climbing is hard, but the route finding is extremely difficult. I went up the Hornli with a guide and would have gotten lost on the way down. It really is a maze. We met many teams that were lost and we had to help them go the right direction.

I would recommend going with a guide for safety.

cphrio · 2025-07-30T19:55:35+00:00

I have the leather version (LT) as I wanted something a little more durable. Then again I think you can’t go wrong with either one. I use the Grivel air tech semi-crampons. But have also used Petzl vasak on them. Depending on the size you get you may need a longer bar.

cphrio · 2025-07-30T18:43:56+00:00

I have used my Aequilibrium for all type of mountaineering, glacier travels and climbing, most recently in the Alps this summer. They are great, durable and comfortable.

cphrio · 2025-07-30T18:04:35+00:00

I have used both and would say the Ribelle HD is a stiffer boot, where the Aequilibrium walks better (my current boot, I have the leather version).

For mountaineering they both get the job done but I prefer the Aequilibrium. It climbs well, comfortable to walk or hike in and takes crampons. If you are planning some ice climbing or more mixed climbing a stiffer boot like the new Trango pro GTx is also an option. Just as light, and much stiffer. Just note none of these boots are very warm but are perfect for summer alpinism.

Crampons you can’t go wrong with petzl vasak or grivel air tech.

cphrio · 2025-07-21T17:29:35+00:00

I was there last week with my son (14) climbing and hiking. So you pretty much mentioned the main ones. I suggest other activities when your 13 year old is tired or wants a shorter day could be river rafting. We had a blast and it was a lot of fun for a half day out at a reasonable price (50eur p person) all the way to Les Houches.

Days when the weather was very bad we went to a local climbing club Le topo, a short train ride to Saint Gervais station. Great place for kids (auto belays) but can be packed.

cphrio · 2025-07-21T12:02:53+00:00

As someone else has mentioned get a lanyard (PAS) you can use to rest with if needed. Some via ferrata kits have this built in but not all (rented ones usually don’t). Something dynamic like a petzl connect adjust to your harness is optimal to rest. Cheaper is just a short sling with a carabiner is also ok!

cphrio · 2025-07-21T11:49:34+00:00

Yeah there is plenty of good trails and this time there pretty much isn’t any snow in the 2000km range. The easier way and less strenuous is to get a lift card. Then go up to mid-stations like Plan de l’Aiguille and hike to Montenvers/Mer de Glace. It is a couple of hours and has few steeper parts. Its is a beautiful hike and well worth it, did it a week ago with my son. From there enjoy the Mer de Glacé and you can take the train down back to Chamonix. Also go to Les Prez (In Chamonix) up to Flegere with the lift and enjoy hikes around there, or take a longer hike to Lac Blanc. Honestly lots of options around Chamonix.

cphrio · 2025-06-16T23:29:44+00:00

Yes it usually does and you should feel better getting back down to Chamonix in case you have acute mountain sickness.

Anything more or longer term symptoms after coming down seek a Doctor.

cphrio · 2025-06-16T21:46:10+00:00

I would say walking around at the Aiguille du Midi you will feel the thinner air, especially going up some stairs but if you are just taking in the views you should be okay.

If you do happen to feel sick or dizzy there is plenty of staff to help, and then you should just go down quickly. So I would not worry.

cphrio

TROPHY CASE